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Aircraft Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Aircraft Controller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do aircraft controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become an aircraft controller?

To become an aircraft controller, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete specialized training at an FAA-approved facility, and pass written, practical, and medical exams. Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required, and controllers often work in a controlled environment with strong communication and decision-making skills.

What are some common challenges faced by Aircraft Controllers and how can they be managed?

Aircraft Controllers often work in high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and clear communication are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple aircraft simultaneously, adapting to rapidly changing weather conditions, and handling unexpected situations like equipment malfunctions or emergency landings. To manage these challenges, controllers rely on rigorous training, teamwork, and adherence to strict protocols. Continuous professional development and strong support from colleagues and supervisors also help ensure safe and efficient operations.

What are Aircraft Controllers?

Aircraft Controllers, also known as Air Traffic Controllers, are professionals responsible for coordinating the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the air and on the ground. They use radar, radios, and computers to provide pilots with crucial information regarding flight paths, weather conditions, and potential hazards. Their primary goal is to prevent collisions and ensure that air traffic flows smoothly, both at airports and in the airspace between them. Aircraft Controllers work in control towers, approach control facilities, and area control centers, often in high-pressure environments that require quick decision-making and strong communication skills.

Did air traffic controllers get paid $10,000?

Air traffic controllers typically earn much more than $10,000 per month, with average salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $130,000 annually depending on experience, location, and certification. Entry-level controllers usually start at lower salaries, but experienced professionals in the field can earn significantly higher wages, especially with overtime and specialized roles.

What is the difference between Aircraft Controller vs Air Traffic Controller?

AspectAircraft ControllerAir Traffic Controller
CertificationsFAA Air Traffic Control Tower Certification, Radar CertificationFAA Air Traffic Control Tower Certification, Radar Certification
Work EnvironmentAirports, control towers, radar facilitiesAirports, control towers, radar facilities
Employer & IndustryAirlines, airports, government agenciesAirports, government agencies, military
Job FocusManaging aircraft movements on runways and taxiwaysManaging aircraft movements in controlled airspace

Both Aircraft Controllers and Air Traffic Controllers require similar certifications and work in airport environments. While Aircraft Controllers focus on managing aircraft on the ground and taxiways, Air Traffic Controllers oversee aircraft in the airspace. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path within aviation safety and management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aircraft Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aircraft Controller, you need strong situational awareness, quick decision-making abilities, and a solid understanding of air traffic regulations, typically supported by specialized training and certification from aviation authorities. Familiarity with radar systems, radio communication equipment, and air traffic control software is essential. Exceptional communication, stress management, and teamwork skills are crucial for coordinating with pilots and other controllers. These abilities ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft, minimizing risks and maintaining order in busy airspace.

What does an aircraft controller do?

An aircraft controller, also known as air traffic controller, manages the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the airspace and on the ground. They monitor aircraft locations using radar and communication systems, provide instructions to pilots, and coordinate takeoffs and landings to prevent collisions. This role requires strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and certification from relevant aviation authorities.

How much do aircraft controllers make?

Aircraft controllers, also known as air traffic controllers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $130,000, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certification level. They often work in high-pressure environments and require specialized training and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration or equivalent agencies.
More about Aircraft Controller jobs
What cities are hiring for Aircraft Controller jobs? Cities with the most Aircraft Controller job openings:
What states have the most Aircraft Controller jobs? States with the most job openings for Aircraft Controller jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Controller job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,497 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
PRODUCTION CONTROLLER (AIRCRAFT)

PRODUCTION CONTROLLER (AIRCRAFT)

Army National Guard Units

Grand Island, NE • On-site, Remote

$61K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Army National Guard rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
This National Guard position is for a PRODUCTION CONTROLLER (AIRCRAFT), Position Description Number D1064000 and is part of AASF #2, Nebraska Army National Guard.
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Duties
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As a PRODUCTION CONTROLLER (AIRCRAFT), GS-1152-9, duties include:
Plans:
Analyzes allocated Flying Hour Program (FHP). Develops plans to optimize execution of flying hours with available resources to satisfy operational and training requirements of the AASF and supported units. Considers Additional Flight Training Periods (AFTP), Multiple and Unit Training Assemblies, Annual Training periods, Mobilization Planning and Training Exercises, and State Emergency Operations in the distribution of aircraft and aircraft hours.
Analyzes supported Aviation units' logistics capabilities and training requirements. Develops plans to improve technical proficiency of unit personnel and includes them in the AASF logistics efforts.
Develops maintenance plans to maximize AASF services to maintain aircraft readiness. Projects short and long term maintenance requirements. Identifies full-time support and unit personnel capacities and capabilities, annual training schedules, tool and diagnostic test equipment requirements, repair parts, and facilities needed to satisfy operational and training flight requirements.
Schedules:
Develops schedules of aircraft and hours to be flown to satisfy the AASF operational aircraft requirements. Recommends priorities for use of aircraft based on operational mission requirements and projected short and long-term maintenance requirements and AASF capabilities.
Develops integrated workload schedules and priorities to balance operational and training flying requirements and logistics capabilities. Programs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance requirements, manpower capabilities and capacities, facilities, repair parts, AASF and Unit operations to meet short and long-term maintenance workloads. Maintains a regular flow of work through the shops.
Services:
Uses Aircraft Notebook (ACN) system to facilitate management of AASF logistics operations. Monitors work order status and repair parts requisitions. Compiles data and analyzes information used in aircraft and logistical reports. Processes both formatted and ad hoc ACN reports for supervisor and/or supported units.
Serves as contact point between the Logistics Manager/Supervisory Maintenance Test Pilot and work centers. Provides analytical information for continuous management reviews of aircraft readiness and workload capabilities and capacities. Establishes procedures to identify repeat aircraft discrepancies and trends. Monitors trends and provides planning factors for aircraft availability and maintenance schedule progress. Maintains maintenance priorities by equipment type and unit supported. Reports deviations from plans and consequences of deviations on work schedules. Assists in the resolution of problems encountered between scheduled or unscheduled production requirements. Makes recommendations for adjustments to repair priorities necessitated by changes in operational conditions or unscheduled maintenance-supply requirements.
Coordinates Maintenance Test Flights (MTF) and Maintenance Operational Checks (MOC) to ensure optimum availability of ready aircraft.
Documentation:
Coordinates and publishes maintenance plans and schedules. Maintains displays of aircraft status, flight requirements, and in-process workload. Prepares forecasts of scheduled and depot maintenance requirements. Prioritizes unscheduled maintenance requirements based on AASF work capabilities and capacities. Maintains maintenance flow charts. Monitors component time change and controlled exchange program.
Collects data, processes, and submits Aircraft Inventory Status and Flying Time Report (DA Form 1352) as well as data and information pertaining to Unit Status Reports (USR). Insures information is accurate, complete, and forwarded.
Maintains historical documentation and current AASF logistics capabilities and capacities. Compiles data on work processes for quality and quality improvements. Documents AASF productions cost and job standards.
Organizational:
Interfaces with AASF Logistics, Flight Operations and Training, United States Property and Fiscal Office (USP&FO) and supported units for accomplishing priorities and deadlines established by higher authorities or supported units. Interacts with logistical personnel at the USP&FO concerning critical supply and fiscal programs. Coordinates with support units and other support maintenance activities concerning the delivery, status of repair operations, and/or pick-up of completed work orders.
Serves as a point of contact (POC) with NGB, AMCOM, AVCRAD, state, and supported units on matters of AASF logistical services. Attends conferences, briefings, and meetings to represent AASF logistical support and services.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Military membership in the Nebraska National Guard Membership is required.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Obtain/maintain the level of security clearance/background check required.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Direct Deposit is mandatory.
  • Individuals with military incentive bonuses may be subject to recoupment.

Qualifications
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED: This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING ELIGIBILITY TO JOIN THE NEBRASKA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PLEASE CONTACT THE LOCAL RECRUITING OFFICE AT 402-309-7458.
OPEN AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: AREA 1 and 2
DEFINITION OF AREA(S) OF CONSIDERATION:
AREA 1 - Current permanent and indefinite bargaining unit Technicians of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard
AREA 2 - All Drill Status/M-Day members and temporary Technicians of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard
AREA 3 - Current military service members who are willing to become a member of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard
AREA 4 - All qualified candidates eligible and willing to become a member of the Nebraska Army or Air National Guard. Selected individual must become a member of the respective National Guard prior to the date of hire.
MILITARY REQUIREMENTS:
Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
Military Grades: Maximum: CW3/E9; Minimum: WO1/E5; Military Grade inversion within the full time work forces is not permitted. The military grade of the full time supervisor must equal or exceed the military grade of the personnel supervised.
Compatibility requirements must be met prior to appointment to the position. Selectee has 24 months to become qualified in a compatible military assignment.
Security Clearance/Background Check requirements:
In order to comply with US DOD requirements and ensure the safety and security of the missions, programs, property and personnel of the Nebraska Military Department, employees must obtain the appropriate background investigation and maintain the level of security clearance assigned to their respective work.
Failure to obtain, within one year of appointment, and maintain the designated type of security clearance/background check required for the respective work may result in a job offer being rescinded, separations of employment, or other actions as may be deemed in the best interest of the agency.
Prior to appointment individuals must meet the security clearance requirements for the position or submit the required documents of the Nebraska National Guard, Personnel Security Manager for processing the appropriate investigation. Required forms: SF86, PSIP Initiation Form, Fingerprints, OF306 and Application/Resume.
Nebraska National Guard Personnel Security Manager - Please send all inquires to ng.ne.nearng.mbx.persec@army.mil
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience, education or training which indicates the candidate can reason in quantitative terms, communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner, understanding the terminology and data pertaining to repair operations and process characteristics of the production activity.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have at least 1 year experience at the previous lower grade or equivalent experience and education or training scheduling workflow in more than one area and responsible for coordinating products or materials from support activities. Experience in performing or supervising journeyman level work in a production facility. Experience preparing job or work orders; scheduling various phases of projects into the production facility; following up to see if work is progressing as planned and arranging for adjustments in materials, machine processes, and work sequencing allowing for changes. Experience with current automation support programs to input data, provide status of equipment, and monitor job order status, monitor work priorities, requisition repair parts, track repair parts status, etc.
Education
Education:
Completion of 2 academic years of education in an accredited college or university will satisfy the requirements for GS-4 positions. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience for GS-5 positions.

Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:
1. Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate clearance designated at the State through the use of the Position Designation Tool.
2. This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position.
3. Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission.
4. May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; over/comp time may be required.
5. May require travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments.
6. The work may require the incumbent to drive a motor vehicle; if so, and an appropriate valid driver's license is mandatory.
7. This is a National Guard dual status technician position which requires military membership.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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About Army National Guard

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The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US